The nose is truly the centerpiece and defining structure of the face – the nose can make the face look balanced and proportional, or it can do the complete opposite. Rhinoplasty, also known as nasal refinement, nose surgery, or a nose job, can give men and women the nose of their dreams, while still maintaining all of the characteristics that they like about their nose.

Rhinoplasty nose surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the shape, size or proportion of the nose. In addition, nose surgery is sometimes used to change the shape of the nostrils, which might affect breathing issues. In essence, the cosmetic surgeon will use his or her specialized skills to sculpt the cartilage and bone in the nose during this procedure. This surgery can be performed on people with cleft lip nasal deformities, those who have suffered a trauma that involves the nose or simply someone looking for a more balanced face. Rhinoplasties can also be performed along with other cosmetic surgical or non-surgical procedures.

Good candidates for nose surgery are in good health and have a good understanding of the procedure. It is important to have an experienced and board-certified cosmetic surgeon examine your nose, face and bone structure to determine if this surgery is right for you; this consultation will also give you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the procedure. Generally, the nose stops growing by age 16 for women and 17 for men, so it is recommended to wait until that time, unless the surgery is for health reasons. Costs for nose surgery vary depending on the patient’s particular goals and the type of surgery performed.

During the surgery, the cosmetic surgeon will make small incisions on the nose to access the cartilage and bony structures in the nose. A rhinoplasty takes about two hours and involves general anesthesia; the surgery can either be an out-patient procedure or involve an overnight stay. A splint will be placed on the bridge of the nose for about a week to promote healing. The nasal area will be bruised and swollen for several days but shouldn’t be very painful. Recovery takes place on an individual basis, although most patients choose to return to work, school and other daily activities after a week or 10 days.

When you look in the mirror, you should like what you see, and if you don’t like your nose, you can struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence. Rhinoplasty, then, can give you a nose, and a face, that you will love.